The American Choral Directors Association, founded in 1959, is a nonprofit organization whose active membership is composed of choral musicians from schools, colleges and universities, communities, industrial organizations, churches, and professional groups.

ACDA is one of the largest professional organizations for choral directors in the world, with a membership of over 20,000 conductors representing one million singers. ACDA has as its highest purpose to encourage the finest choral music and to promote its development in all ways, including performance, composition, publication, and research.

ACDA is organized in the United States into seven geographical divisions, each with its own activities. In addition each of the fifty states has its own officers, thereby making it possible for members to be in close proximity to persons actively involved in choral music and ACDA.

ACDA has a number of national committees engaged in exploring materials, techniques and standards. Among these are committees representing children’s choirs; junior and senior high school choirs; college and university choirs; choral music in the community and in the church; vocal jazz groups; show choirs; ethnic music; male and female choruses; and activities for students.

ACDA sponsors festivals, clinics and workshops on the state level as well as division and national conventions where ideas are shared and explored, problems discussed, and music is heard. Industry representatives frequently exhibit material at these conventions; members have the opportunity to examine firsthand the latest publications and music-related supplies.

ACDA publications include The Choral Journal, published then months each year, which contains important articles, reviews of books, records, music and general information about choral music and musicians throughout the world.

ACDA has student chapters in many high schools, colleges, and universities, whose members are contributing fresh ideas to the thrust of the national organization.